Self Drive Route
Silver Circle — Borgarfjörður
Waterfalls, hot springs, sagas and lava caves
A compact West Iceland self-drive loop through Borgarfjörður, linking geothermal power, medieval history, lava-waterfalls and optional cave experiences in one flexible day.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
8 must-see locations
Borgarnes
This vibrant town, beautifully captured from above, is characterized by its colorful houses, some with striking red roofs, set against the backdrop of a serene fjord and distant mountains. A distinctive bridge gracefully spans a calm inlet, leading into the heart of the settlement. Borgarnes exudes a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, inviting travelers to wander its streets, enjoy panoramic coastal vistas, and delve into its fascinating Viking heritage. It's an ideal base for adventures further afield, yet captivating enough to explore at leisure.
Good place to fuel, buy food and start the loop.
Deildartunguhver
Europe's most powerful hot spring
Stay behind barriers around the boiling geothermal water.
Reykholt
Attraction in west-iceland.
Allow time for the historic centre and Snorri Sturluson connections.
Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar: Waterfalls born from lava fields.
Follow the marked viewpoints along the lava-fed waterfalls.
Barnafoss
Barnafoss: A dramatic waterfall with a tragic past.
Combine this with Hraunfossar; they share the same general stop.
Húsafell
A captivating resort village in West Iceland, Húsafell is a gateway to glaciers, lava fields, and the Northern Lights.
Useful food, rest and activity stop before optional cave detours.
Víðgelmir Lava Cave
Iceland's largest and most spectacular lava cave with colorful rock formations and guided tours.
Book cave tours in advance; do not enter lava caves independently.
Surtshellir
Cave in South Iceland, Iceland.
Only add with suitable conditions and preparation; cave terrain is uneven.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
09:00
Borgarnes
Fuel, food and route check before entering Borgarfjörður.
10:00
Deildartunguhver
Short geothermal stop; remain behind barriers.
11:00
Reykholt
Allow about an hour for the historic area.
12:30
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Treat the two waterfalls as one combined stop.
14:30
Húsafell
Food, rest or activity base.
16:00
Optional Víðgelmir
Only if pre-booked and the timing fits; otherwise start the return.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Fuel in Borgarnes before the loop.
Keep paid cave experiences pre-booked rather than assuming walk-in availability.
Winter ice can make short paths and parking areas more difficult than the main road.
Combine Hraunfossar and Barnafoss as one stop rather than scheduling them separately.
Choose one major cave experience if you want a relaxed day.
Check museum, cave and food opening times outside the main summer season.
Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for the Silver Circle?+
No for the standard main-road itinerary in normal conditions. Always check current road and weather conditions, especially in winter.
Can I drive the Silver Circle in one day from Reykjavík?+
Yes. A full day gives enough time for the main stops; cave tours or longer walks may make an overnight in Borgarfjörður more comfortable.
How long is the Silver Circle?+
The recognised scenic route is about 146 km, before adding the drive from Reykjavík or longer side detours.
Should I visit both Hraunfossar and Barnafoss?+
Yes. They are beside each other and function as one combined road-trip stop rather than two separate time blocks.
Do I need to book Víðgelmir?+
Treat it as a booked activity and confirm the current schedule before building the day around it.
Can I drive the Silver Circle in winter?+
The core route can work when roads are open, but daylight, ice and weather mean you should shorten optional detours and check conditions before departure.
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